JBI Methodology Month

JBI is known as a global leader in diverse research methodologies that guide the conduct of evidence synthesis, transfer and implementation, to improve health and health service delivery. In April, we celebrate ‘JBI Methodology Month’ and highlight the latest developments from JBI’s unique methodologies and the free access JBI resources that are available to students, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and others interested in evidence-based decision making and evidence-based practice. 

JBI methodology is underpinned by JBI’s unique approach to evidence-based healthcare. JBI considers evidence-based healthcare as decision making that considers the Feasibility, Appropriateness, Meaningfulness as well as Effectiveness (FAME) of healthcare practices. The diverse origins of problems in healthcare require a diversity of research methodologies; not all questions can be answered from studies measuring effectiveness alone.  

JBI Methodology Month not only spotlights JBI’s progressive methodologies, but is also an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people behind the methodologies: 

“JBI methodologies are developed by international experts who work collaboratively towards creating shared, globally recognised approaches to evidence synthesis, transfer and implementation.  The members of these groups, who form our international methodology network, are the very expression of what can be achieved when like-minded beings move collectively toward a common goal.  The end result is a suite of progressive methodologies that are taking EBHC into the future.  These methodologies are ‘intelligence made visible’ and we celebrate both the science and the intellect behind it this month” - Prof Zoe Jordan, Executive Director, JBI 

To coincide with JBI Methodology Month, the April issue of JBI Evidence Synthesis is a special issue focusing on the latest advancements in evidence synthesis methodology.  To be published later this month, the special methodology issue includes papers such as: 

- ‘Rapid reviews and the methodological rigor of evidence synthesis: a JBI position statement’

- ‘What are scoping reviews? Providing a formal definition of scoping reviews as a type of evidence’

- ‘Best practice guidance and reporting items for the development of scoping review protocols

- ‘The quality, methods and recommendations of systematic reviews on measures of evidence-based practice: an umbrella review’

- ‘Moving from consultation to co-creation with stakeholders in scoping reviews: Guidance from the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group’.

All systematic reviews published in JBI Evidence Synthesis use JBI methodology which is freely available in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The Manual is regularly updated to reflect new developments and advancements in methodology for different types of evidence which are undertaken by JBI methodology groups and approved by an international scientific committee of evidence synthesis experts.  

Chair of the scientific committee, Assoc Prof Craig Lockwood, is excited about the scope of activity and new work being undertaken in 2022: 

“The scope of activity internationally is high, reflecting an energetic and methodologically diverse network with new work in 2022 including: 

• Methodological implications in synthesis science related to languages other than English 
• Predatory publishing 
• Ontology and epistemology in qualitative evidence synthesis 
• The much-anticipated release of a methods chapter on synthesis of text and opinion 
• The newly launched Transfer Science Methodology Group  

“There are projects, papers and programs of research informing each JBI Methodology Group, and we look forward to an active and engaged 2022, that enables each group member to contribute and grow through methodological collaboration.” 

During JBI Methodology Month the latest publications, resources and networks relating to methodologies for the synthesis, transfer and implementation of evidence will be highlighted for anyone interested in evidence-informed policy and practice in healthcare. Resources will be disseminated across social media and in the next issue of JBI Buzz to be released later this month.  

Resources and networks include the new JBI methodology playlist on YouTube, the JBI Manual for Evidence Implementation and Scoping Review Network. 

Stay tuned for an exciting month of all things JBI methodology.